If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Detroit pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover damages. Pedestrian accidents typically involve injuries that are serious or critical. This is simply because the pedestrian is unprotected against a vehicle that is coming at him or her.
In most cases, it is the negligence of the driver that causes a pedestrian accident. This is why it is important to seek suitable compensation for your injuries and other losses. When filing a pedestrian accident injury claim in Detroit, it is important to understand the relevant Michigan laws and statistics. Here is a look at these.
Michigan Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Every year, thousands of pedestrian accidents take place across Michigan. In 2018 alone, nearly 2,317 pedestrian crashes were reported across the state. The bulk of these accidents occurred in the 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. time slot. This was probably due to increased traffic and low visibility during this period. Of the total pedestrian accidents in 2018, 145 proved fatal.
The total number of pedestrian accidents actually saw an overall decline in 2019. 2,059 pedestrian crashes were reported in Michigan during the year, with 149 of these proving fatal. 1,910 pedestrians sustained injuries in these crashes. The highest rate of pedestrian fatalities was reported for the age group 45-54. The highest rate of injuries in pedestrian crashes was reported for the age group 21 – 34.
Pedestrian accidents stand in contrast to many other types of accidents in that they nearly always involve an injury or a fatality. This is in contrast to auto accidents where a crash may not often result in a significant injury. This is why it is always a good idea to consult reliable Detroit pedestrian accident lawyers after an incident so that you fully understand your options.
Pedestrian Accidents and No-Fault Insurance
Michigan is a no-fault state when it comes to personal injury accidents. This principle applies to pedestrian accidents as well. No-fault means that your own insurance company pays for the medical costs of the injury and other losses you incur in a pedestrian accident. This is regardless of whether the other driver was negligent or not.
No-fault insurance offers a key benefit. You can recover compensation even when the driver that hit you is uninsured or underinsured. This effectively protects and covers you, regardless of the insurance standing of the driver involved.
However, things are a little different when the pedestrian accident involves exceptionally serious injuries resulting in disabilities, death or permanent disfigurement. In such a case, you can seek damages from the at-fault driver.
It is important to determine which insurer is liable to pay you damages in a pedestrian accident claim. Qualified Detroit pedestrian accident lawyers can help you make the right decision.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often a cause of a driver’s negligence, but they also may be a result of the pedestrian’s negligence. In fact, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 33% of the pedestrian accidents involve pedestrians who are under the influence of alcohol. A number of other factors also contribute to pedestrian crashes. Here is a look at these:
- Drivers running a red light. A red light is often taken as an opportunity by the pedestrians to cross a road. A driver running a red light ends up crashing into such pedestrians.
- Speeding is one of the top causes of drivers crashing into pedestrians.
- Intersection carelessness. Drivers need to be extra vigilant at intersections, but many are not. When they fail to notice pedestrians in the crosswalk, this results in accidents.
- Distracted driving. When a driver is busy on the phone, taking a call or texting, adjusting the radio, or distracted in other way, it can prevent him or her from spotting a pedestrian up ahead. This is why distracted driving is another key cause of pedestrian crashes.
- Distracted walking. On the part of the pedestrians, distracted walking equally contributes to crashes. Pedestrians talking on the phone, texting or otherwise distracted fail to take into the account the traffic on the road. This leads to collisions with vehicles.
- Being under the influence. This applies to both drivers and pedestrians. When either party is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it can lead to accidents.
- Weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions can also cause road accidents involving pedestrians. Rain, sleet and snow can reduce visibility for the drivers. Wet road conditions can prevent the drivers from stopping in time to avoid a collision.
Who is Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Pedestrian Crash?
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident involving a commercial vehicle, it is important to determine who is liable. Various parties can be held liable in a crash involving a commercial vehicle such as a truck. Potentially liable parties include:
- The driver
- The company that owns the vehicle
- The manufacturer of the vehicle
- The company that loaded the vehicle
- The entity tasked with the maintenance of the vehicle
A good lawyer will help you understand which party is rightly liable for your injuries. This makes it possible for you to file the compensation claim without losing any time.
Why Hire Detroit Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?
When you are involved in a pedestrian crash, you have to face a number of unexpected costs on top of your own injuries. These include the medical costs of treatment, lost wages and more. Many victims of pedestrian victims face a sudden financial crisis when confronted with these expenses. This is despite the fact that the accident may have been caused by the other party.
This is where our attorneys at TorkLaw can help you. We understand that being a victim of a pedestrian crash can put you in a hard place, physically, mentally and financially. This is why we aim at making it easier for you to file a compensation claim in time and recover a fair compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to get in touch with our attorneys and discuss your case in a free consultation.